Master in Criminal Justice (MSc)

Criminal Justice & Criminology

When you are ready to continue your education, choose a well-established program with a world-class faculty. The Department of Criminal Justice at UCM was founded in 1962 and has stayed true to its roots while continuing to innovate and keep pace with today’s criminal justice agencies.

Earning a Master of Science in Criminal Justice will provide you with the knowledge and skills to excel in your chosen career field. This program is designed for those who wish to enter and/or progress in a criminal justice agency, seek a position of leadership, research, or teaching in criminal justice. As a graduate of our program, you will be able to:

Articulate knowledge of the major issues facing the criminal justice system in the nation and world.

Demonstrate an understanding of the multidisciplinary criminal justice theories and their implications for policy.

Understand how to access research, conduct original research, and apply research findings to problems with crime or the criminal justice system.

Communicate in a knowledgeable and professional manner for a variety of academic and criminal justice settings.

Demonstrate an advanced writing capacity with the ability to use and reference literature properly.

Top Ranked

Quality and Affordability

The University of Central Missouri is highly distinguished for having one of the best online criminal justice programs in the nation by leading education and industry resources for online education information.

Criminal Justice faculty are internationally recognized for their expertise and scholarship and are an excellent blend of academic credentials and field experience. The full-time faculty who teach at the Warrensburg campus are the instructors you will have in your online courses, too.

Flexible and Affordable

Earn your degree 100% online

Criminal Justice & Criminology offers its Master of Science degree 100% online so you can finish your degree without sacrificing quality or affordability. If you are determined to advance your education but need a flexible schedule, this program is right for you. To be competitive in today’s market you need strong written, verbal, and critical thinking skills. You will gain these skills and receive the same quality instruction as students enrolled in on-campus classes.

Research Opportunities

Criminal Justice & Criminology offers multiple options for you to pursue your own research interests. Those pursuing a thesis will work closely with a faculty mentor to develop and complete a project, with most going on to result in publication. Graduate students often present papers or posters at academic conferences such as the American Society of Criminology or Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences – individually or in collaboration with CJ faculty. Local and regional conferences such as the Missouri Corrections Association are also common venues for students to present their research and network with professionals in the field.

World Class Faculty

The criminal justice faculty consists of an excellent blend of academic credentials and field experience. The Criminal Justice & Criminology faculty will help you:

Complete your thesis

Develop and present a research project at a state or national conference

Network with other professionals as you seek to enter or advance in the career field

The professors on campus in Warrensburg are the same professors you will have in your online courses, too.